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Apple's MacBook laptop computers use a special Mini DisplayPort for connecting monitors. This requires the user to connect an adapter to use a monitor with DVI or VGA input. Small businesses that need to connect a MacBook to a projector for a presentation will also have to use these adapters, as well as a 3.5mm stereo-to-RCA cable if audio output is needed. However, once the adapter is connected to the MacBook, the steps to project the screen image are similar to that of any other laptop computer.

1. Connect an Apple Mini DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter to the Mini DVI port on the MacBook. Apple also manufactures Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapters if your projector does not support DVI input.

2. Plug a DVI monitor cable into the Mini DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter. If you are using a VGA monitor connection, use a VGA monitor cable.

3. Plug the other end of the DVI or VGA monitor cable into the DVI or VGA monitor input of the projector.

4. Connect the 3.5mm stereo end of a 3.5mm stereo-to-RCA audio cable into the headphone jack of the MacBook. Plug the color-coded RCA audio end of the cable to the corresponding inputs on the DVI or VGA port on the projector. If you do not need sound output, you can skip this step.

5. Turn on the MacBook and open the program or video file you want to project.

6. Power on the projector and wait for it to warm up. Select the DVI or VGA input from the projector menu and the image from the MacBook will be projected.

Things Needed

Apple Mini DisplayPort-to-DVI (or VGA) adapter

DVI (or VGA) monitor cable

3.5mm stereo-to-RCA audio cable

Tip

Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters are available from third-party sources. These cables allow you to connect both audio and high-definition video output to a projector with HDMI input. However, not all video projectors support HDMI video input and the Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter is not covered by Apple's warranty or support services. Also, some non-compliant adapters will not pass through the audio signal via an HDMI connection.

About the Author

J.M. Chanel began writing in 2002 as a webmaster for an independent film company. He graduated from West Virginia University, earning a Bachelor of Science in journalism. Chanel has been contributing to online publications since 2010.